Cigarette package

ABSTRACT

An assembled container for cigarettes possesses an outer body portion that possesses a front wall, a back wall, a right side wall and a left side wall; with each wall outer surface being vertically extending, and generally curved when viewed from the top of the container. The container also possesses an associated outer lid portion. An inner sleeve is positioned within the outer body portion and connected at opposite inner faces of that outer body portion so as to provide a central, vertically extending region whereby the front wall of the outer body portion is connected to the back wall of the outer body portion. The assembled container has the minimum depth in the central, vertically extending region; and the maximum depth being located on each side of that region. The assembled container also has a width that is greater than the maximum depth. As such, the outer container possesses two vertically extending hollow regions or compartments (e.g., one on the left side and one on the right side), and a generally cylindrical packet of smoking articles can be positioned within each respective compartment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tobacco products, such as smoking articles, and in particular, to packages suitable for containing tobacco products.

Popular smoking articles, such as cigarettes, conventionally have been sold in packages. Typically, each full package contains about 20 cigarettes. Cigarettes have been packaged in containers known as so-called “soft packs.” See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,695,422 to Tripodi; 4,717,017 to Sprinkel, Jr., et al. and 5,333,729 to Wolfe; which are incorporated herein by reference. Cigarettes also have been packaged in containers known as so-called “hard packs” or “crush proof boxes.” See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,874,581 to Fox et al.; 3,944,066 to Niepmann; and 4,852,734 to Allen et al.; which are incorporated herein by reference.

Various other types of cigarette package designs and configurations that have been proposed are set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,007,623 to Clemens; 3,148,768 to Gatto; 3,226,010 to Rogers, Jr.; 4,294,353 to Focke et al.; 4,784,261 to Kutchin; 5,139,140 to Burrows et al.; and 5,938,018 to Keaveney; and US Pat. App. Pub. No. 2005/0150786 to Mitten et al.; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. See, also, for example, the types of packaging configurations used for cigarettes sold in Japan under the tradename “Duo Virginia Slims.” Cigarette packages designed to have rounded or beveled side faces or edges are set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 203,164 to Kinney; 1,096,909 to Harvey; 1,563,056 to Williams et al.; 1,974,658 to Ross; 2,157,255 to Bumpass; 4,708,704 to Focke et al.; 4,753,383 to Focke et al.; 4,923,059 to Evers et al.; 5,097,948 to Campbell; 5,143,282 to Pham; 5,392,905 to Focke et al.; 6,726,006 to Funderburk et al.; 7,014,039 to Henson et al.; and Des. 279,507 to Schechter et al.; each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

It would be highly desirable to provide an aesthetically pleasing cigarette package having side faces that are rounded in nature. It also would be desirable to provide a cigarette package that is capable of having cigarettes removed therefrom in a variety of ways.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to containers for smoking articles, such as cigarettes. A representative container includes an outer body portion and an outer lid portion. The outer body portion possesses front, side and back walls that are generally curved or rounded in nature. For a preferred embodiment, two generally cylindrical packets, each containing smoking articles, are positioned with in the outer body portion. For example, each packet can contain 10 filtered cigarettes.

In one aspect, an assembled container for smoking articles possesses a top, a bottom, a width, a minimum depth and a maximum depth. An outer container or body portion possesses a front wall outer surface, a back wall outer surface, a right side wall outer surface and a left side wall outer surface; with each wall outer surface being vertically extending, and generally curved when viewed from the top or bottom of the container. An outer lid portion possesses a front wall outer surface, a back wall outer surface, a right side wall outer surface and a left side wall outer surface; with each wall outer surface being generally vertically extending, and generally curved when viewed from the top of the container; and with a top wall that is generally curved in shape when viewed from the top of the container. An inner sleeve is positioned within the outer body portion and connected at opposite inner faces of the outer body portion so as to provide a central, vertically extending region possessing the front wall of the outer body portion connected to the back wall of the outer body portion (e.g., the inner face of the front wall is connected to the inner face of the back wall using the sleeve). The assembled container has the minimum depth in the central, vertically extending region; and the maximum depth being located on each side of that region. The assembled container also has a width that is greater than the maximum depth. As such, the outer container possesses two vertically extending hollow regions or compartments (e.g., one on the left side and one on the right side), and a generally cylindrical packet of smoking articles can be positioned within each respective compartment.

In another aspect, an assembled container for smoking articles includes an outer sleeve with vertical side walls forming a cavity having a cross-sectional shape generally conforming to the outline of two conjoined circles; a lid assembly adapted to cover at least a portion of the top opening of the outer sleeve; and two cylindrically-shaped packets slidably disposed side-by-side in the outer sleeve. A vertical dividing wall inside the cavity of the outer sleeve bisects the cavity into two generally round compartments, with the compartments having a straight wall section where the compartments adjoin each other at the dividing wall. Each compartment contains a cylindrical packet. The lid assembly may be formed from multiple lid sections that are glued together when the container is assembled, or the lid assembly may be a single piece. Preferably, the outer sleeve is comprised of a paperboard blank folded to conform to the outline of two parallel aligned conjoined cylinders, wherein the outer sleeve has a concave curvature around the opposite distal sides of the conjoined cylinders and has a convex curvature proximate to the conjoined portions of the cylinders, and the outer sleeve has a vertical wall extending between and coupled to the portions of the outer sleeve having the convex curvature. Alternatively, the outer sleeve has a cross-section shape with a left lobe and a right lobe and a medial portion therebetween, and the outer sleeve forms a substantially cylindrical portion around at least half of each of the distal portions of the left lobe and right lobe, and forms a substantially concave portion connecting between the cylindrical portions on each of a front wall and back wall of the outer sleeve. A vertically extending wall coupled to the medial portion of the front wall and the medial portion of the back wall separates the left lobe from the right lobe.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front region of a representative assembled container that is configured in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the back region of a representative assembled container that is configured in a closed position.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views of the front region of a representative assembled container in an open position.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic, schematic illustration of the top plan view of a representative assembled container in a closed position.

FIG. 6 diagrammatic, schematic illustration of the top plan view of a representative assembled container in an open position.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic, schematic illustration of the bottom plan view of the lid of the container.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic, schematic illustration of the bottom plan view of a representative assembled container.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic, schematic illustration of the bottom plan view of the outer body of a representative container.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are perspective views of representative assembled inner container packets.

FIG. 12 is a perspective of the back region of a representative assembled container that is configured in a closed position.

FIG. 13 is a perspective of the front region of a representative assembled outer body and top outer lid portions of a container that is configured in an open position.

FIGS. 14 through 20 are diagrammatic, schematic illustrations of representative blanks suitable for the assembly of outer body portions, outer lid portions and inner container packets of assembled containers.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the outer body of a representative container.

FIGS. 22-23 are diagrammatic, schematic illustrations of representative blanks suitable for the assembly of other embodiments of outer body portions, outer lid portions and inner container packets of assembled containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, there is a front view of various components of an assembled container 10 that is representative of one embodiment of the present invention. That representative container 10 possesses an outer container 20 that includes an outer body portion 25 and a top outer lid portion 30. The outer body portion 25 possesses a front wall 35 that extends vertically from its upper region 40 to its lower region 43. The outer lid portion 30 possesses a vertically extending side portion 44 that includes front wall 48. That side portion 44 also vertically extends from its upper region 51 to its lower region 55. The outer lid portion 30 also possesses a top wall 59, which extends horizontally. The outer lid portion 30 most preferably is adapted to cooperate with the outer body portion 25, and hence, act to cover the top region of the outer body portion (e.g., the outer lid portion can fit over the top region of the outer body portion, and can be maintained in place, such as by friction fit between the outer face of the upper region of the body portion and the inner face of the side portion of the outer lid). As such, the outer container 20 can be maintained in a closed configuration. The top outer lid portion 30 most preferably is movable relative to outer body portion 25, in order to provide an outer container that can be arranged in an opened position or configuration. The representative body and lid portions preferably are manufactured from a paperboard-type of material. A representative seam 41 indicative of the outer body portion being made from rolled paperboard is preferably on the side of the container.

Referring to FIG. 2, there is a back view of various components of an assembled container 10 that is representative of another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the back view and the front view are substantially the same. That representative container 10 possesses an outer container 20 that includes an outer body portion 25, a top outer lid portion 30, and a bottom outer lid portion 72. The body portion 25 possesses a back wall 76 that extends from its upper region 40 to its lower region 43. The top lid portion 30 possesses a back wall 80 that extends from its upper region 51 to its lower region 55. The top lid portion 30 and outer body portion 25 each can have overall construction, dimensions and arrangements comparable to those of the embodiment described previously with reference to FIG. 1. The representative bottom outer lid portion 72, having overall construction and dimensions comparable to that of the top lid portion 30, also possesses a back wall 90 that extends from its lower region 95 to its upper region 97. The bottom lid portion 72 can be held in place by friction fit (e.g., and hence can be removed from the outer body portion), or fixedly secured to the outer body portion (e.g., by application of a suitable adhesive to the outer face of the low region of the body portion and the inner face of the side portion of the bottom outer lid). A representative bottom portion preferably is manufactured from a paperboard-type of material.

Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a representative assembled container 10 in a configuration such that the outer container 20 components are configured in an open position. The top outer lid portion 30 is shown as having been moved so as to not cover the top region of the outer body portion 25. The inner face 57 of the top wall 59 of the outer lid portion is shown as possessing a series of tabs 110, 111, 112, 113 that are folded or otherwise arranged so as to contact the inner face 42 of the side portion 44. The number of tabs can vary, and typically range from about 6 to about 12, with about 8 tabs being preferred. In a preferred embodiment, suitable adhesive applied to the face of each tab or glue flap that contacts the inner face of the side portion acts to secure of the top wall to the side wall, and hence provide construction of the top outer lid portion.

The outer body portion 25 is shown as having an outer wall 44; and the inner side of front face of that wall is connected to the back inner side of back face of that wall thereof using a vertically extending inner dividing wall 120 that is adhered to inner vertical faces of the front wall 40 and back wall 76, respectively, using vertically extending tabs 130, 132. For example, suitable adhesive can be applied to the face of each tab of the sleeve in the region that contacts the inner face of the side portion in order to secure of each wall to the wall 120, and hence provide construction of the top outer body portion. As such, the wall 120 acts as an attachment mechanism for connecting the front and back walls to one another. A representative dividing wall 120 preferably is manufactured from a paperboard-type of material. Typically, such an outer body portion 25 can be constructed by forming a tube having a generally circular cross-section using a single rectangular piece of material by lapping and adhering that material onto itself along a seam line 41, adhering one tab of the inner dividing wall to a first location on the inner face of that tube, and adhering the other tab of the inner dividing wall to a second location on the inner face of that tube that is approximately 180° from the first location. In a preferred embodiment, the wall of the outer body portion is not creased or folded, and hence, the outer body portion possesses a generally rounded appearance. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the outer body portion is divided into a first (or left-side) compartment 150 and a second (or right-side) compartment 160. For the embodiment shown, the first and second compartments each are essentially equal cross-sectional area (e.g., as determined by viewing those compartments in a vertical direction).

Within the first compartment 150 of the outer body portion is a first packet 170. Within the second compartment 160 of the outer body portion is a second packet 180. Preferably, each packet is similar to the other in overall shape, appearance and size. For the embodiment shown, each packet is generally circular in overall cross-sectional shape, and hence generally cylindrical in overall shape. The outer body of each representative packet preferably is manufactured from a paperboard-type of material. The first packet 170 possesses a vertically extending side wall 200, and a top wall 210 that acts as a cover to at least a portion of the top region thereof. In an exposed upper region of the first packet is shown a wrapping material 225 (e.g., embossed foil lined paper laminate, or other wrapping material of the type conventionally used within cigarette packages) fashioned, folded or adapted so as to cover or contain smoking articles (not shown). For the embodiment shown, the first packet can be configured so as to can contain 10 cigarettes. The second packet 180 possesses a vertically extending side wall 250, and a top wall 260 that acts as a cover to at least a portion of the top region thereof. In an exposed upper region of the second packet is shown a wrapping material 270 adapted cover or contain smoking articles (not shown). For the embodiment shown, the second packet also can be configured so as to contain 10 cigarettes. As such, an assembled container 10 containing 20 cigarettes can be provided.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a representative assembled outer body portion 25 possessing first compartment 150 and second compartment 170, each compartment being essentially equal cross-sectional area. Within the first compartment 150 of the outer body portion is a first packet 170. Within the second compartment 160 of the outer body portion is a second packet 180. Preferably, each packet is similar to the other in overall shape, appearance and size. Each packet is shown as being raised within each respective compartment (i.e., slid upwards within the relevant region of the outer body portion so as to be partially removed from that outer body portion). For the embodiment shown, each packet is generally circular in overall cross-sectional shape, and hence generally cylindrical in overall shape. The first packet 170 possesses a vertically extending side wall 200, and a top wall 210 that acts as a cover to at least a portion of the top region thereof, and a vertically extending lap seam 315. In an exposed upper region of the first packet is shown a wrapping material 225 fashioned, folded or adapted so as to cover or contain smoking articles (not shown). In addition, an exposed region or notch 300 in the side wall 200 near the top portion of the first packet 170, provides for exposure of the wrapping material 225. The second packet 180 possesses a vertically extending side wall 250, and a top wall 260 that acts as a cover to at least a portion of the top region thereof. In an exposed upper region of the first packet is shown a wrapping material 270 adapted so as to cover or contain smoking articles (not shown). In addition, an exposed region or notch 350 in the side wall 250 near the top portion of the second packet 180, provides for exposure of the wrapping material 270. The notches 300, 350 allow removal of the wrapping material and easier removal of the smoking articles, such as cigarettes, contained in the packets. Preferably, the notched are in the die wall at a position opposite from where the lids 210, 260 are integrally connected to the side wall such that the notches are in the center of the open area of the packet.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a view of the top of the top lid portion 30 of the type of container described previously with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4. The representative top lid portion possesses a top wall 59, front side wall 48, back side wall 80, left side wall 386, and right side wall 388. For the embodiment shown, the width 381 of the container is greater than the maximum depth 383 of the container; and the minimum depth 385 of the container (i.e., that distance between the central region of each of the front and back side walls of the container) is less than maximum depth of the container (i.e., that distance between the front and back side walls on each of the right and left sides of the container). When viewed from the top, the outer surface of the top lid portion possesses a continuous, smooth curved shape, and does not possess a rectilinear shape. For a preferred embodiment, each side wall is generally curved or rounded in nature (e.g., the side walls, and the relationship of adjacent side walls relative to one another, are such that the side walls form a virtually continuous rounded or curved nature completely around the horizontal periphery of the container). That is, each preferred side wall does not possess any significant region along its horizontal periphery surface that might be considered to be a flat plane; and each preferred side wall does not possess an overall outer shape that any incorporates or is defined by a crease, fold, score-line, or the like. For example, preferred side walls do not possess, and preferred adjacent side walls are not separated or defined by, what might be considered to be squared corners, sharply angled corners or edges, rounded corners or regions, beveled corners or regions, or the like. As such, for a preferred embodiment, the container does not have a shape that might be considered to be generally rectilinear in nature. Mathematically, a preferred embodiment may have the shape described as a Hippopede of Proclus, or a Lemniscate of Booth. However, the perimeter of the container need not match precisely the mathematical formulas describing those curves, which are mentioned to aid in the understanding of the invention, and not limit the invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a view of the top of a representative outer body portion 25. The outer body portion possesses front side wall 40, back side wall 76, left side wall 400, and right side wall 402. For a preferred embodiment, each side wall is generally curved in nature, and the side walls do not possess any creases, folds, scores, sharply protruding points, or the like, that provide any squared or sharply angled corners or regions. The lap seam 41 is shown extending away from the front wall 40, but preferably is glued in overlapping contact against the front or side wall. The outer body portion possesses two compartments 150, 160, which are separated from one another by dividing wall 120. Each end 130, 132 of the dividing wall is attached to opposite inner surfaces of the outer body portion. Within the left-side compartment 150 is positioned first packet 170. Within right-side compartment 160 is positioned second packet 180. The first or left-side packet 170 possesses a top wall 210, a region covered by wrapping material 225 and a notch 300 in the side wall adjacent the top opening where the wrapping material is exposed. The second or right-side packet 180 possesses a top wall 260, a region covered by wrapping material 270 and a notch 350 in the side wall adjacent the top opening where the wrapping material is exposed. That is, when viewed from the top, the container does not possess a rectilinear shape.

Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a view from beneath the bottom lid portion 72 of the type of container described previously with reference to FIG. 2. The representative bottom lid portion possesses a horizontally-extending bottom wall 459, and vertically-extending front side wall 90, back side wall 480, left side wall 486, and right side wall 488. For a preferred embodiment, each side wall is generally curved in nature, and the side walls do not possess any creases, folds, scores, sharply protruding points, or the like, that provide any squared or sharply angled corners or regions. That is, outer surface the bottom wall of container, when viewed from the bottom of the container, does not possess a rectilinear shape. In addition, the respective side walls opposite one another preferably are not parallel to one another to any significant extent; and the container does not possess an region along its vertically extending walls, other than the extreme top and bottom regions where the side walls meet the respective top and bottom walls, that might be considered to form or be a point, edge or corner. For certain preferred embodiments, the shape of the container is such that, when viewed from the front and back, except for the presence of the lap seam, the container appears identical; and when viewed from the right and left sides, except for the presence of the lap seam, the container appears identical.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a view of the bottom of a representative outer body portion 25 of the type of container described previously with reference to FIG. 1. When viewed from the bottom, the container does not possess a rectilinear shape. The outer body portion possess the front side wall 40, back side wall 76, left side wall 400, and right side wall 402. The outer body portion possesses two compartments 150, 160, which are separated from one another by a dividing wall 120. Each end 130, 132 of the wall 120 is attached to opposite inner surfaces of the outer body portion. Within the left-side compartment 150 is positioned first packet 170. Within right-side compartment 160 is positioned second packet 180. The first or left-side packet 170 possesses a bottom wall 525, and a lap seam 315. The second or right-side packet 180 possesses a bottom wall 527, and a lap seam 450. Each bottom wall preferably covers the entire bottom region of each respective packet.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a view of the bottom of an alternative representative body portion 25 of the type of outer container described previously with reference to FIGS. 1 through 4. Rather than forming the outer body portion 25 from two portions, the outer body portion is formed from a single blank. That is, wrapping material that provides the outer body portion is wrapped around, lapped onto itself in lap region 530, adhered to itself in that lap region, extends as a dividing wall 531 from score line 532 positioned against the inner face of the outer back wall 76 of the container to score line 534 that is positioned against the inner face of the outer front wall 40 of the container, and then acts as a tab 536 or glue flap that is lapped against the inner face of the outer front wall and adhered thereto.

Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a representative first packet 170, which is generally circular in overall cross-sectional shape, and hence generally cylindrical in overall shape. The longitudinal axis of the first packet 170 most preferably is virtually parallel to longitudinal axes of the various rod-shaped cigarettes contained therein. The first packet 170 possesses a vertically extending side wall 200, and a top wall 210 that acts as a cover to at least a portion of the top region thereof, and a vertically extending lap seam 315. In one preferred embodiment, the horizontally extending top wall 210 is generally semi-circular in shape, and hence acts to cover approximately half of the area of the top region of the first packet. In representative alternate embodiments, the top wall covering a portion of the top region of the packet typically can cover about 30 percent to about 90 percent of the area of the top region of the first packet. In an exposed upper region of the first packet is shown a wrapping material 225 fashioned, folded or adapted so as to cover or contain smoking articles (not shown). Suitable representative wrapping materials are foil-type materials (e.g., laminated metal foil/paper innerliner materials). See, for example, US Pat. Pub. No. 2006/0168909 to Miyaoka et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, an exposed region or notch 300 in side wall 200 near the top portion of the first packet may optionally be provided to allow for exposure of each respective wrapping material 225 to facilitate removal of the wrapping material and the smoking articles contained in the packet. If desired, the second packet can be adapted to possess a top portion that is virtually identical in design to the bottom region. That is, both the top and bottom walls of the first packet can be fashioned so as to cover only a portion of each respective top and bottom region. Optionally, the first packet can be overwrapped with polypropylene film, or other suitable overwrap material, such as a type conventionally used for overwrapping cigarette packages; and optionally can be further equipped with tear tape to assist in the removal of that overwrap material for use. A preferred representative first packet that is filled with smoking articles is one that contains about 10 filtered cigarettes. If desired, the packet can be altered to have a shape that is oval, elliptical, or the like, and the packet can be altered to cooperate appropriately with an altered configuration of the corresponding compartment of the outer container (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a representative second packet 180, which is generally circular in overall cross-sectional shape, and hence generally cylindrical in overall shape. The second packet 180 possesses a vertically extending side wall 250, a vertically extending lap seam 450, and a bottom wall 527 that acts as a cover to at least a portion of the bottom region thereof. In one preferred embodiment, the horizontally extending bottom wall 527 acts to cover virtually the entire bottom region of the second packet 180. In an exposed upper region of the first packet is shown a wrapping material 270 adapted so as to cover or contain smoking articles (not shown). In addition, an exposed region 350 side wall 250 near the top portion of the second packet 180 provides for exposure of the wrapping material 270. If desired, the second packet can be adapted to possess a top portion that is virtually identical in design to the bottom region. That is, both the top and bottom walls of the second packet can be fashioned so as to cover virtually the entire respective top and bottom regions. Optionally, the second packet can be overwrapped with polypropylene film, or other suitable overwrap material, such as a type conventionally used for overwrapping cigarette packages; and further equipped with tear tape to assist in the removal of that overwrap material for use. A preferred representative second packet contains about 10 filtered cigarettes. If desired, an overwrapped second packet can incorporate cigarettes of one particular type, brand, blend or flavor; and an overwrapped first packet (such as the type described previously with reference to FIG. 10) can incorporated cigarettes of a different type, brand, blend or flavor. If desired, the packet can be altered to have a shape that is oval, elliptical, or the like, and the packet can be altered to cooperate appropriately with an altered configuration of the corresponding compartment of the outer container (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 12, there shown is a back view of various components of an assembled container 10 that is representative of one embodiment of the present invention. That representative container 10 possesses an outer container 20 that includes an outer body portion 25 and a top outer lid portion 30. The outer body portion is integrally hinged to the body portion. That is, in regions 360, 362 the back face 76 of the outer body portion, and of the top outer lid portion, most preferably are integrally connected to from a lid that can be movable in an open and closed position without physical separation from the outer body portion. Alternatively, for an embodiment not shown, the hinges can be provided as separate tabs, each of which can be adhered or otherwise secured or attached to appropriate inner surfaces of the upper outer lid portion and outer body portion; or as separate ring-type spiral-type connectors that extend through perforations located in corresponding regions of the upper outer lid portion and the upper region of the outer body portion. The outer lid portion most preferably is adapted to cooperate with the outer body portion, and hence, act to cover the top region of the outer body portion (e.g., the outer lid portion can fit over the top region of the outer body portion, and can be maintained in place, such as by friction fit between the outer face of the upper region of the body portion and the inner face of the side portion of the outer lid), and hence, provide the outer container 20 in a closed configuration. The top outer lid portion 30 most preferably is movable relative to outer body portion 25, in order to provide an outer container that is in an opened position or configuration.

Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a perspective front view of various components of an assembled container 10 that is representative of one embodiment of the present invention. That representative container 10 possesses an outer container 20 that includes an outer body portion 25 and a top outer lid portion 30. The outer body portion is integrally hinged to the body portion. That is, in regions 360, 362, the back face of the outer body portion, and of the top outer lid portion, are integrally connected, such as with tabs 361, 363, to form a lid that can be movable in an open and closed position without physical separation from the outer body portion. The top outer lid portion 30 most preferably is movable relative to outer body portion 25, in order to provide an outer container that is in an opened position or configuration. Both sides of the hinged regions 360, 362 may be cut or scored and the bottom folded to allow greater movement of the tabs and connected lid away from the body to facilitate removal and closure of the lid that slides down with a friction fit around the outer body 25. The hinged regions 360, 362 and tabs 361, 363 may be integrally formed with the outer body portion 25, or may be separately glued or attached to the outer body portion. Alternative hinge structures may be provided as is known in the art to provide a fold back lid that also slides down for a friction fit over the outer body portion of the container.

Referring to FIG. 14, there is shown a representative blank 700 that can be formed, fashioned, or otherwise employed to provide an outer container. The representative blank 700 is generally rectilinear is shape, and for the embodiment shown, the blank produced from a single piece of paperboard and has the overall shape of a rectangle. The blank is designed to provide a top face portion 710, a bottom face portion 720, an underlying lap seam region 730 at one side (e.g., extending from top to bottom at its right-side), and an overlying lap seam region 740 at its opposite side (e.g. extending from top to bottom at its left-side). Such a blank can be fashioned into the tube (e.g., by application of a suitable adhesive along the lap seam region and contact of the two lap seam regions. Typically, the relevant region of the outer surface of the blank is printed with brand logos, brand-related colors and graphics, UPC bar code graphics, excise tax related information, regulatory content, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 15, there is shown a representative blank 770 that can be combined with the tube formed from the blank described previously with reference to FIG. 14 in order to provide an outer container. As such, the blank 770 provides a sleeve or dividing wall that divides the outer container into two regions, each preferably of essentially equal volume. The blank 770 possesses a central region 775, and tabs 780, 783 on each side. The tabs or glue flaps are used to adhere the blank to relevant regions on the inside of the outer container. Score lines 786, 788 extend along the length of each side of the blank, in order to provide for tabs that can readily be moved and folded. Either or both faces of the blank optionally can be printed with brand logos, brand-related colors and graphics, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 16, there is shown a representative blank 810 that can be used to provide the top wall of the top lid portion of the container. That blank also can be used to provide the bottom wall of the optional bottom lid portion of the container. A series of tabs 110, 112, 113, 114, 816, 817, 818, 819 extend from the front, side and back faces of the top lid portion. Those tabs can be folded at 90° angles in order to provide for application of adhesive and attachment to other components of the container. Typically, the relevant region of the outer surface of the blank is printed with brand logos, and brand-related colors and graphics, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 17, there is shown a representative blank 850 that can be used to provide the side walls of the top lid portion of the container. That blank also can be used to provide the side walls of the optional bottom lid portion of the container. The blank has a generally rectilinear shape. The width of the blank is sufficient to provide the desired height of the top lid portion. The length of the blank is sufficient to extend around the periphery of the top lid portion described with reference to FIG. 16, and preferably is sufficient to also provide a lap seam. Typically, the relevant region of the outer surface of the blank is printed with brand logos, and brand-related colors and graphics, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 18, there is shown a representative blank 875 that can be used to provide either of the packets that are contained within the outer container. The blank is designed to provide a semi-circular top portion 880, a cut-out top portion 890, a bottom portion 895, an underlying lap seam region 900 at one side (e.g., extending from top to bottom at its right-side), and an overlying lap seam region 910 at its opposite side (e.g. extending from top to bottom at its left-side). Such a blank can be fashioned into the tube (e.g., by application of a suitable adhesive along the lap seam region and contact of the two lap seam regions. A series of tabs 930, 933 extend from the sides of the semi-circular top portion 880. Those tabs can be folded at 90° angles in order to provide for application of adhesive and attachment to relevant regions of the inside face of the blank. A series of tabs 940, 942, 944 extend from the sides of the generally circular bottom portion 895. Those tabs can be folded at 90° angles in order to provide for application of adhesive and attachment to relevant regions of the inside face of the blank. Typically, the relevant region of the outer surface of the blank is printed with brand logos, brand-related colors and graphics, UPC bar code graphics, excise tax related information, regulatory content, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 19, there is shown a representative single piece blank 750 that can be formed, fashioned, or otherwise employed to provide an outer container. The representative blank 750 is generally rectilinear is shape, and for the embodiment shown, the blank produced from a single piece of paperboard. The blank is designed to provide a top face portion 710, a bottom face portion 720, an underlying lap seam region 730 at one side (e.g., extending from top to bottom at its right-side), and an overlying lap seam region 740 at its opposite side (e.g. extending from top to bottom at its left-side). Such a blank can be fashioned into the general shape of tube (e.g., by application of a suitable adhesive along the lap seam region and contact of the two lap seam regions). Typically, the outer surface of the blank is printed with brand logos, brand-related colors and graphics, UPC bar code graphics, excise tax related information, regulatory content, and the like. In addition, the blank possesses an extended region 1000 (similar to blank 770 in FIG. 15), integrally connected to the extreme side face 1003 of the underlying lap seam region 730. An optional, though preferred, crease 1006 that allows for a bending or angling so as to allow an adjacent, integrally connected central sleeve 1010 to be located within the desired inner portion of the outer tube that is formed using the opposite end of the blank. At the opposite end of the sleeve 1010 is a positioned another optional, though preferred, crease 1015 that allows for a bending or angling so as to allow for an adjacent, integral connection of the end tab 1020 to the outer wall. The tabs or glue flap is used to adhere the blank to relevant regions on the inside of the outer container in a region opposite the region where the lap seam regions 710, 730 are connected. Alternatively, either or both of the creases 1006, 1015 can be provided by folds, score lines, line of perforations, or the like. As such, an outer container body portion can be fashioned from a single blank, rather than as a result of combination of multiple blanks.

Referring to FIG. 20, there is shown a representative blank 1100 that is similar in many regards to the blank described previously with reference to FIG. 19. However, the blank possesses upwardly extending tabs 1102, 1104 from the top region 710 of the blank; and those tabs are integrally connected to the remainder of the blank. Each tab 1102, 1104 is in turn integrally connected to a respective semi-top portion 1110, 1130, respectively. For simplicity, the second pair of semi-top portions forming a cover over the second packet is not shown, but would be identical to semi-top portions 1110, 1130. The left-side semi-top portion 1110 preferably possesses an integrally connected tab or glue flap 1112 that is designed to fit under the opposite semi-top portion 1130, and adhesive applied to the upper face of the glue flap and the bottom face of the opposite semi-top portion can act to form a top upper face of desired configuration. Tabs 1114, 1116, 1134, 1136 extending from each of the semi-top portions can act as glue flaps for attachment of the side wall blank (not shown) of the upper portion to the remainder of an assembled container. If desired, the right-side semi-top portion of the blank can possess optional score lines (e.g., score lines 1138). As such, during use of an assembled container, a portion of the top wall of the top outer lid portion can be removed, and hence, the package can be employed in the general manner set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,140 to Burrows et al.

Referring to FIG. 21, there is shown a perspective front view of another embodiment of an outer container 20. The outer body portion 25 is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13. The external front wall 40, back wall 76 and the underlying overlapped segment 730 are contiguous with internal center dividing wall 120. Two hinged tabs 1202 and 1204 each integrally connect lids 1210, 1230 to the back wall 76 of the outer body portion. Preferably the lids are circular shape to substantially cover the first and second compartments 150, 160 inside the outer body portion. Tuck tabs 1212 and 1232 are provided on the lids to fold down and be tucked between the internal cigarette packets (not shown) and the inside of the front wall 40 to keep the lid in a closed position. The container is shown as constructed from a single paperboard blank, however, other materials may be used, and the lids may optionally be separate pieces glued onto the outer body portion. Alternatively, the lids may each be dimensioned to be oversize and overlap each other in the adjacent region over the dividing wall 120. The overlapping portions of the lids may be glued together to form a single lid having an overall perimeter with a similar outline shape as the perimeter of the outer body portion 25.

Referring to FIG. 22, there is shown a plan view of one embodiment of a paperboard blank 1200 that may be used to construct an outer container similar to the item shown in FIG. 21. The blank is generally rectangular and includes the two hinged or folding tabs 1202 and 1204 that connect the two lids 1210 and 1230 to the back wall section 76 of the blank 1200. The underlying overlap section 730 folds around the lid 1230 and is overlapped by a portion of the front wall section 40, where the dividing wall section folds in to connect back to the inside of the back wall section 76. Alternatively, the overlap section 730 and dividing wall 120 may be contiguous with the front wall portion 40 such that upon being folded, the overlap section 730 is overlapped by the back wall portion 76. In either embodiment, the exposed side seam of the container will be either on the right side or the left side of the outer body portion. The tuck tabs 1212 and 1232 extend from the top of the lids 1210 and 1230. Optionally, two bottom covers having a configuration similar to the lids 1210, 1230 may integrally extend from the bottom of the back wall section 76 of the blank 1200. The bottom covers may be folded and glued to the bottom region of the container walls formed when the blank is rolled into the container shape to provide for optional closure of the container bottom.

Referring to FIG. 23, there is shown a plan view of another embodiment of a paperboard blank 1250 that may be used to construct an outer container similar to the item shown in FIG. 21. The blank 1250 is generally rectangular and includes two lids 1210 and 1230 directly connected the portion of the blank that would become the back wall 76 of the container. The lids contain tuck tabs 1212 and 1232 extending from the top of the lids. Side tabs 1214, 1216, 1234, 1236 are optionally provided on each lid and may be useful for gluing the tab to the adjacent walls of the container to secure the lid in a closed position to the container. The side tabs include perforations 1215, 1217, 1235, 1237 to allow the tabs to be torn off to allow the lid to be opened. The underlying overlapped section 730 folds around the lid 1230 and is overlapped by a portion of the front wall section 40, where the dividing wall section fold in to connect back to the inside of the back wall section 76. Optionally, two bottom covers having a configuration similar to the lids 1210, 1230 may integrally extend from the bottom of the back wall section 76 of the blank 1250. The bottom covers may be folded and glued to the bottom region of the container walls formed when the blank is rolled into the container shape to provide for optional closure of the container bottom.

Components of the container can be constructed from materials of the type traditionally used for cigarette packaging manufacture. For example, the container can be constructed form resilient, durable paperboard-type material (e.g., low density solid bleached sulfate paperboard). Typically, the thickness of the paperboard-type material is in the range of about 0.010 inch to about 0.015 inch. Preferably, the thickness of paperboard-type material that is used to construct the outer body and outer lid portions of the container is about 0.012 inch to about 0.014 inch. Preferably, the thickness of paperboard-type material that is used to construct the packet portions of the container is about 0.010 inch to about 0.012 inch.

The adhesive material used to assemble the various components of the container can vary. Preferred adhesives are water-based polyvinylacetate-type adhesives. Adhesive materials useful for assembling paperboard cigarette packages will be apparent to those skilled in the art of cigarette package design and assembly.

The maximum height of each container can vary. The height of each container typically is dependent upon factors such as the lengths of the cigarettes that are contained therein. Generally, the height of each container is within the range of about 70 mm to about 130 mm. For example, for a container designed to contain 20 cigarettes, each about 99 mm in length, a representative container can have a height of about 100 mm to about 103 mm. Alternatively, for example, for a container designed to contain 20 cigarettes, each about 84 mm in length, a representative container can have a height of about 85 mm to about 89 mm.

The width of each container can vary. Typically, the width of a representative container is at least about 55 mm, and often is at least about 60 mm. Typically, the width of a representative container does not exceed about 75 mm, and often does not exceed about 70 mm.

Each container also possesses a maximum depth and a minimum depth, due to its curved nature (i.e., the outer surfaces of the front and back walls of the container each curve inwardly toward the vertically extending center of each of the front and back of the container). The maximum depth of each container can vary. Typically, the maximum depth of a representative container, which typically is located on each side (i.e., the right side and the left side) of the container is at least about 25 mm, and often is at least about 30 mm. Typically, the maximum depth of a representative container does not exceed about 40 mm, and often does not exceed about 35 mm. Typically, the minimum depth of a representative container is at least about 15 mm, and often is at least about 20 mm. Typically, the minimum depth of a representative container, which is less than the maximum depth, does not exceed about 30 mm, and often does not exceed about 25 mm.

A representative assembled container has a maximum height of about 87 mm, a width of about 67 mm, a maximum depth of about 33 mm, and a minimum depth of about 23 mm. The outer container and the top outer lid portion each are constructed from paperboard having a thickness of about 0.012 inch. The side walls of the top outer lid portion of the assembled container extend downward about 12 mm. The assembled container possesses two virtually identical packets, each packet independent of the other (i.e., each packet is not connected to the other, and can be employed independently of the other), and each packet containing 10 filtered cigarettes. Each packet is constructed from paperboard having a thickness of about 0.010 inch. Each cigarette is about 84 mm in length and about 24.5 mm in circumference. The packets are each generally circular in cross-sectional shape, and generally cylindrical in overall appearance. Each packet is about 31 mm in diameter and about 85 mm in length. The top cut-out region is about 12 mm in width and about 14 mm in depth. In a first embodiment, a sleeve located within the outer container portion connects the inner regions of the front and back walls of the outer container portion; and such a sleeve has a length of about 86 mm (i.e., essentially the same length of the outer container portion), and a width of about 20 mm. Each of the two tabs on each side of the sleeve has a width of about 8 mm. Thus, the outer container portion is provided by forming a tube by wrapping a generally rectilinear sheet (e.g., about 86 mm by about 120 mm) of paperboard back onto itself (e.g., with a lap seam of about 10 mm) to provide a tube, and then securing the sleeve within that tube. In a second embodiment, the sleeve and outer container portion are provided from a single generally rectilinear sheet of paperboard. Thus, the assembled outer container is provided by wrapping the paperboard sheet back onto itself to provide a sideseam, and an inner portion of the sideseam is extended to provide the sleeve and a tab that is fastened at the opposite inner face of the container. Such an assembled container is provided by a sheet having a width of about 86 mm and a length of about 230 mm (e.g., of which, about 180 mm provides the outer face, about 30 mm provides a lap seam, about 20 mm provides a central sleeve, and 10 mm provides a tab). Thus, such an assembled container has a height slightly greater than the smoking articles container therein, and the width of the container is greater than its depth.

Overwrap materials can be used in association with the types of containers set forth herein. Suitable overwrap materials include polypropylene films, such as films characterized as “cellophane-type films” that traditionally have been employed for wrapping packaged cigarettes. See, also, the types of overwrap materials that are set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,139,140 to Burrows et al.; and 5,542,529 to Hein, III et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The outer wrapping material assembly can be equipped with tear tape. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,717,017 to Sprinkel, Jr. et al.; 4,836,378 to Lephardt; 5,192,262 to Amendola et al.; 5,595,803 to May et al.; and 7,118,792 to Hewitt et al.; each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Representative types of tear tape materials suitable for use in association with other cigarette packaging materials are available from sources such as Arlin Mfg. Co., Inc. and P. P. Payne Limited.

The assembled container can be used in a variety of ways. In use, outer wrapping materials (e.g., clear, colorless polypropylene film) are removed from the assembled outer container, and those outer wrapping materials are discarded. The top outer lid portion is moved (e.g., removed) from the outer body portion to expose the two packets of cigarettes within that outer body portion. Either or both of the packets can be removed from the outer container portion and opened. Alternatively, either or both packets can be opened while positioned within the outer container portion. For certain embodiments, the outer container can be adapted (e.g., equipped with a removable bottom lid portion) in order that each of the packets can be removed through either the bottom or the top of the outer container). Each packet is opened by removing relevant wrapping materials (e.g., an optional overwrap material, and the preferred piece of embossed paper/foil laminate that overlies the ends of the cigarettes) that cover the cigarettes contained in that packet. For certain embodiments, each of the packets can be adapted in order that cigarettes can be removed from either end of those packets. Then, the smoker can remove individual cigarettes from that packet.

Various alterations can be made to the various blanks that have been described with reference to FIGS. 14 through 20, 22 and 23. For example, the blanks can be altered in dimension in order to be formed into container components that can adapt smoking articles of different number, length, circumference, or the like. Additionally, the blanks can be altered in dimension relative to one another (e.g., the top lid portion can be configured in a relatively slightly larger size in order to allow for an alternate fit of the assembled top outer portion with the assembled outer body portion; or the packets can be configured in a relatively slightly larger or smaller size in order to allow for an alternate fit of assembled packets within the assembled outer body portion). Additionally, the blanks for the packets can be altered so that each packet can be opened at either end (e.g., particularly for use in association with the embodiment described previously with reference to FIG. 2). Additionally, the size of the outer blank and assembly of that blank into a outer body portion can be selected in order that the central regions of the front and back walls of the outer body portion can curve more towards the central region of that outer container, or that each side of the outer container can have an appearance that might be considered more oval than rounded in nature or appearance.

Although the preferred outer container and associated components are constructed from paperboard-types of materials, the outer container and other certain other associated components can be constructed from a variety of other materials. For example, those components can be constructed from composite materials, laminated materials, or the like. Alternatively, those components can be molded from plastic materials, fashioned from metal, or the like.

Although the preferred container possesses vertically extending walls that extend in a virtually truly vertical direction, those vertically extending walls can be adapted so as to extend generally vertically, and hence, provide a container that can be considered to be somewhat frusto-conical in shape (e.g., the side walls can extend slightly outward from top to bottom, or the side wall can extend slightly inward from top to bottom).

If desired, the outer container can provide discretion for packaging together of two cigarette types. For example, in one outer container there can be positioned two packets, and one packet can contain a cigarette type of one flavor, “tar” yield, or the like, while the other packet can contain a cigarette type of a different flavor, “tar” yield, or the like. Most preferably, each such packet is individually overwrapped with a suitable overwrap material that can be opened by the smoker after purchase of the cigarette package assembly.

If desired, the outer container can be configured to have more than one inner sleeve or dividing wall. For example, an outer container having two spaced dividing walls can provide for an outer container possessing three generally rounded compartments for the positioning of three generally cylindrical packets containing smoking articles. Thus, for example, each of the three regions can contain a packet of the type described generally hereinbefore, and each such packet can contain about 6 or about 7 cigarettes. Alternatively, the outer body portion may be constructed of individual cylinders adhered together to form two, three or more adjoining generally rounded compartments. The compartments are generally rounded with a straight wall section where the cylindricals walls are flattened over a small range to provide a larger flat surface to be adhered together. Preferably, the flattened surface may be about 5 mm in width along the full height of the cylinder to provide adequate surface area for the cylinders to be securely glued together. In either embodiment, individual lids and bottoms may be integrally formed with the blanks for forming the outer body portion, or the lids and bottoms may be glued to the vertical walls of generally rounded compartments are described with respect to other embodiments above.

If desired, the overall dimensions of the outer container and associated components can be altered, and the overall container can be adapted, in order that the outer container resembling the type of outer container described herein can be used as a carton for a plurality of packages of cigarettes. For example, a carton having an overall type of shape and appearance of the outer container described herein can contain a number of appropriately configured and arranged cigarette packages totaling 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10.

It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and it should be understood that the following claims, including all equivalents, are intended to define the spirit and scope of this invention. 

1. An assembled container for smoking articles, the container comprising: an outer body portion including a front wall outer surface, a back wall outer surface, right side wall outer surface and left side wall outer surface, and a width between the right side wall and the left side wall; each wall outer surface being vertically extending, and generally curved when viewed from the top or bottom of the container; an inner dividing wall positioned within the outer body portion and connected at opposite inner faces of the outer body portion so as to provide a central, vertically extending region between the front wall of the outer body portion and the back wall of the outer body portion; the assembled container having a minimum depth between the front wall and the back wall in the central, vertically extending region; and a maximum depth between the front wall and the back wall being located on each side of that central region, the width being greater than the maximum depth; and an outer lid portion including a horizontal top wall having a generally curved perimeter when viewed from the top of the container, a front wall outer surface, a back wall outer surface, right side wall outer surface and left side wall outer surface; each wall outer surface being generally vertically extending from the perimeter of the top wall.
 2. The container of claim 1 wherein the wall outer surfaces of the lid portion fit snugly around the wall outer surfaces of the outer body portion.
 3. The container of claim 1 wherein the top wall of the outer lid portion includes a plurality of tabs folded downwardly and coupled to inside surfaces of the vertically extending walls.
 4. The container of claim 1 wherein the outer lid portion is hingedly connected to the back wall of the outer body portion.
 5. The container of claim 1, wherein the outer body portion comprises a substantially rectangular paperboard rolled with overlapping edges, and the inner dividing wall maintaining the minimum depth of the outer body portion.
 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the inner dividing wall is paperboard and contiguous with an overlapping edge of the outer body portion.
 7. The container of claim 1 further comprising a cylindrical packet for receiving smoking articles slidingly received within each compartment formed on either side of the inner dividing wall.
 8. The container of claim 7 wherein the cylindrical packet includes a notch at an upper end of the cylindrical side wall, the notch having a size sufficient to aid withdrawal of a smoking article from within the packet.
 9. The container of claim 7 wherein the cylindrical packet includes a semi-circular top wall covering a portion of the top of the cylindrical packet and defining a semi-circular opening between in the upper end adjacent the notch.
 10. An assembled container for smoking articles, the container comprising: an outer sleeve comprising vertical side walls forming a cavity having a cross-sectional shape generally conforming to the outline of two conjoined circles and a top opening; a lid assembly adapted to cover at least a portion of the top opening of the outer sleeve; and two cylindrically-shaped packets slidably disposed side-by-side in the outer sleeve.
 11. The container of claim 10 further comprising a vertical dividing wall inside the cavity of the outer sleeve, the dividing wall bisecting the cavity into two generally rounded compartments having a straight wall section where the compartments adjoin each other at the dividing wall.
 12. The container of claim 10 wherein the outer sleeve is comprised of a paperboard blank folded to conform to the outline of two parallel aligned conjoined cylinders, wherein the outer sleeve has a concave curvature around the opposite distal sides of the conjoined cylinders and has a convex curvature proximate to the conjoined portions of the cylinders, and the outer sleeve has a vertical wall extending between and coupled to the portions of the outer sleeve having the convex curvature.
 13. The container of claim 10 wherein the outer sleeve has a cross-section shape with a left lobe and a right lobe and a medial portion therebetween, the outer sleeve forming a substantially cylindrical portion around at least half of each of the distal portions of the left lobe and right lobe, and having a substantially concave portion connecting between the cylindrical portions on each of a front wall and back wall of the outer sleeve, and the container further comprising a vertically extending wall coupled to the medial portion of the front wall and the medial portion of the back wall thereby separating the left lobe from the right lobe.
 14. The container of claim 10 wherein the lid comprises a top wall having a shape similar to the shape of the cavity cross-section, and a vertical sidewall depending from the perimeter of the top wall, the lid vertical sidewalls dimensioned to form a friction fit around the vertical side walls of the outer sleeve.
 15. The container of claim 14 wherein the top wall comprises a plurality of outwardly extending tabs folded down and adhered to an inside face of the lid sidewall.
 16. The container of claim 10 wherein the lid comprises two substantially round disks hingedly couple to a rear wall of the outer sleeve and a tab extending from the disks at a position on the disk opposite the rear wall.
 17. The container of claim 10 wherein the packet cylindrical side wall includes a top end having a notch defined therein.
 18. The container of claim 10 wherein the cylindrical packet includes a semi-circular top wall covering a portion of the top of the cylindrical packet and defining a semi-circular opening between in the top end adjacent the notch in the cylindrical side wall. 